Samuel Sullivan is the head of a carnival ring, working with other evolved humans. He refers to his carnival as his family and has recently decided to come out of hiding after killing his older brother. Having lived an early life of service, Samuel feels liberated by the world of abilities and the family he has made. With the goal to create a new home for everyone with abilities, Samuel's actual intentions were to create the fantasy life that his true love Vanessa Wheeler always wanted. Upon being rejected by Vanessa, Samuel made the decision that he will no longer hide or live by the outside world's rules. Samuel is an evolved human with the ability to manipulate geological materials such as dirt and rocks. Samuel is also able to amplify his power when surrounded by other people with abilities. After being defeated by Peter, he has now been arrested.

Samuel has the ability to move earth and manipulate minerals with the power of his mind. He has shown that he has a mental influence over the earth, as well as a form of ink. In addition, Chandra Suresh postulated that the presence of large numbers of evolved humans in a single area produces a phenomenon similar to magnetism, which has the effect of amplifying Samuel's abilities. As a consequence of this, he can also sense when powerful evolved humans are near (Slow Burn). It has been shown that with as few as four other evolved humans around, his power is nearly useless. (Brave New World)

On the night of his planned massacre, Samuel faces a rebellion like no other. (Brave New World)

Memorable Quotes

"This is my favorite part of the day. It's full of possibility. Before the inevitable monkey wrenches come looking for us. But more than anything... it's about being with all of you. I know grace is a supper thing, but every morning I thank Heaven and Earth for our family."

Notes

According to the casting call, Samuel the "carnival barker" is 40 to 60 years old. He is a "charming character with an evil sense of humor", like Eddie Izzard or "The Joker without his makeup".

Tim Kringsaid "Samuel has no power unless he is surrounded by other people. So in some ways it's about getting people away from him as opposed to bringing people towards him."

Trivia

When Samuel brings a lawsuit against Peter he uses the alias "William Hooper" (Ink). Bill Hooper is a prominent member of the Heroes crew.

Samuel speaks some Japanese, and possesses some skill in sign language.

In an interview, Tim Kring said about Samuel: "This one charismatic leader of the carnival has now decided that it is time to stop hiding in shadows and to present themselves to the world, and in order to do that he feels in a kind of misguided way that they have to be as strong as they can be."

Samuel told a woman that his mother was a maid and his father was a butler. (Ink)

Samuel is one of the youngest people ever known to manifest an ability. He caused great seismic activity on the day of his birth, even while in utero. Tommy Clark and Taylor Kravid's baby also manifested their abilities in utero.

Like Samuel Tommy Clark maninfested his ability on the day of his birth, even while in utero. He stole his mother'sability which resulted her dying during child birth.